With the British and European motor industry being a little quiet right now, it’s interesting that BMW are announcing some new or revised models, seemingly one after the other, which is why you are seeing several on these pages recently. Now there’s another one but this time it’s the incredible M2 model that gets the makeover. It has never disappointed before, so this version should be a bit special.
With its compact proportions, a sharper design and a choice of powerful engines, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé (of which the M2 is the pinnacle) delivers a more exhilarating driving experience than ever before. The two-door model featured here follows in the footsteps of the legendary BMW 02 Series, which established itself as the epitome of driving pleasure way back in the halcyon days of the 1960s.
The Drive
The new engine portfolio for the UK market includes two efficient and powerful four-cylinder petrol units that transmit power to the road via an eight-speed ‘Steptronic’ transmission and the usual classic rear-wheel drive. Additionally, the range features an in-line 3.0 litre (374bhp / 379PS) six-cylinder engine in the new BMW M240i xDrive (4x4) Coupé, a unique offering in this competitive mid-sized sector.
All engines are combined with an 8-speed ‘Steptronic’ Sport transmission. It enhances the sporty driving experience with rapid shift dynamics and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, while the Sprint function is also available for particularly dynamic acceleration. As soon as the driver pulls the left steering wheel shift paddle for at least one second, the car downshifts to the lowest available gear. At the same time, the ‘SPORT’ driving experience mode is activated with the appropriate settings for all drive and suspension systems.
M Sport suspension, which is fitted as standard in the four-cylinder models, provides a noticeable increase in agility and cornering dynamics with its firm suspension set-up and stroke-dependent shock absorbers. This is complemented by a variable sport steering system with a steering angle-dependent ratio. The BMW M240i xDrive Coupé is fitted with a specific passive M Sport suspension as standard, with the Adaptive M Chassis including variable sport steering optionally available. Its electronically controlled shock absorbers offer three characteristic maps, which can be activated according to the selected driving experience mode.
On The Outside
The dimensions, body structure, drive concept and chassis technology of the BMW 2 Series Coupé are designed as ever to convey the brand's hallmark driving pleasure. The distinctive front end with individual round headlamps, the horizontal BMW radiator grille and the power dome on the long bonnet coupled with the athletic sculpted surfaces in the profile view, those wide wheel arches and the short luggage compartment lid that ends in a striking air scoop, give the 2 Series Coupé an unmistakable appearance.
At the front of the car, the surround of the BMW radiator grille is now finished in a ‘pearlescent’ chrome. The side skirts and the lower part of the rear apron are no longer painted in black, but in the chosen colour of the vehicle. The diffuser insert is finished in high-gloss black for a contrasting effect at the rear.
The range-topping M240i xDrive Coupé has its own version of the M specific design features which draw the eye to the vehicle’s cooling air supply and aerodynamic balance. They include high-gloss black inserts for the side air intakes, the black spoiler lip on the front apron, the model-specific rear spoiler and the trapezoidal tailpipes on the left and right of the rear apron. The exterior mirror caps of the vehicle is now finished in high-gloss black.
The M Sport Pro pack, available as an option for all variants of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé, complements the dynamic exterior design with M Shadow Line lights, Adaptive LED headlights, an M rear spoiler in black and the M high-gloss Shadow Line with extended features. Other M Sport Pro pack features also include an M Sport Brake system with red-painted brake callipers and M seatbelts. There’s a choice of striking paint finishes and the BMW 2 Series Coupé M Sport models come as standard with 18 inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels, while the M240i xDrive Coupé includes 19 inch M light-alloy wheels as standard.
On The Inside
New sporting touches and the latest digital technology can be found in the interior. We think that the BMW 2 Series Coupé interior conveys the four-seater’s sporting intentions more than previous models. For example, the rear roof line, the high centre console and the harmonious blending of the instrument panel and door panel surfaces create an enveloping feeling of space which is further enhanced by the anthracite-coloured headlining.
The BMW Curved Display plays an increasingly important role in the intuitive operation of the vehicle's functions, with the fully digital display system comprising a 12.3 inch Information Display and a 14.9 inch Control Display. It serves as a platform for the further developed BMW iDrive with ‘QuickSelect’ based on BMW Operating System 8.5. Automatic air conditioning functions, front seat heating and, if fitted, steering wheel heating can be operated by touch on the Control Display or by voice command. This change is accompanied by a redesign of the instrument panel. New control knobs on the air vents in the centre of the dashboard and on the driver's and passenger's side allow the direction of the airflow to be adjusted by turning and tilting. Variable interior lighting adds to the ambience.
There is of course an M leather steering wheel as standard. The new version features a rim that is flattened at the bottom with precisely modified spokes and discreet centre markings. The sporty ambience of the M240i interior is also underlined by a red centre marker at the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel and contrasting stitching in BMW M GmbH colours.
Heated sports seats for the driver and front passenger form part of the standard specification in new BMW 2 Series Coupé. Further seat enhancements are optionally available, including Electric Seat adjustment with memory function on the driver's side and also lumbar support. M Sport seats, also available as an optional extra, offer a wide range of adjustment options at the touch of a button, as well as lumbar support and partially integrated head restraints. With their bucket seat character and adjustable backrest width, they provide optimum lateral support during dynamic cornering. The contours of the rear seats and their integrated head restraints give them a distinctive individual character.
Ask us here at MHH International about availability of the current models across the range of this premium German brand. There really is something for everyone and, whatever choice is made, the vehicle can be exported from the UK via our tried and tested service to destinations like Kenya, Ireland, New Zealand and the Caribbean. Please browse our website for more information.
